WORKMATES Michael Rafferty and Jonathan Tomlinson will put their friendship to the ultimate test when their teams do battle in the FA Cup this weekend.

Michael will be cheering for Burnley while Jonathan will be rooting for Blackburn Rovers to win the fifth round tie at Turf Moor on Sunday.

The pair work together at the Inland Revenue offices in Accrington.

Michael, 29, of Ringwood Close, Altham, is no stranger to football rivalry as his dad John and his father-in-law, Tony Palmer, are both staunch Rovers fans.

However, he has an ally in the shape of his wife Gemma, who is also a Burnley season ticket holder.

He said: "I am going to the game with an open mind. John thinks Rovers will murder us but I will settle for a draw at the Turf and then we can beat Rovers on penalties at Ewood.

"It was really funny when the draw was made. There were five of us sitting outside the office in the car listening to the radio. When the numbers came out it was like a scene from Only Fools and Horses when they won the lottery. The car was rocking all over the place."

Jonathan, 28, a Rovers fan for over 20 years, thinks Burnley will be a tough nut to crack. He said: "They have been quite hard to break down but I think we will scrape through. If we win I don't think Mick will be talking to me at work on Monday."

Meanwhile, a bumper turnout for the big game is expected at pubs and clubs across Hyndburn, with many showing it on giant screens.

Phil Miller, who runs the Stanley in Accrington, is segregating rival fans with a piece of tape down the middle of the main room. He said: "It will be light-hearted and we will have a bit of banter. We are only allowing members in so we expect it to be a good atmosphere."

Police will be keeping watch to ensure there is no repeat of the scenes four years ago when violence erupted in Accrington following a similar clash.

Superintendent Neil Smith said: "Much is being said about the rivalry between the clubs but as long as that rivalry remains friendly and doesn't spill over into disorder then we have no problem."